An outstanding recital performance of rare maturity and character, "that just stood out a little bit more"saw cornet player Thomas Nielsen deservedly claim the 2018 BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award.

His renditions from memory of the polka 'Miss Blue Bonnet', 'Before the Cross' by Edward Gregson and Peter Graham's 'Whirlwind' were delivered with a remarkable level of technical assuredness and cultured tonality — all from a young man who earlier this week celebrated his 17th birthday.

Suitors

Watched by his proud family, the success will surely herald the start of a journey that will enable him to achieve his ambition of claiming a place at a leading music conservatoire. On this evidence he will not be short of suitors for his signature.

The same will surely apply to the career choices of the other finalists; tenor horn Ross Dunne, trombonist Sam Dye and euphonium player Cameron Scott each displaying musical "bravery"in their accomplished performances that made for "a very tough decision"according to the judges, Prof Nicholas Childs, Helen Vollam and Andrew Crowley.

Earlier Helen spoke of her wish to hear soloists who "had displayed character and took risks", "made a great sound"and "communicated and engaged with the audience".

All those points and more

All those points and more certainly applied to the winner, as Thomas opened with the classic Frank Simon polka, delivered with a lovely touch of quixotic capriciousness.

That led into a touching rendition of meditative 'Before the Cross' — one that David Daws (for whom it was written) and Thomas' father Carl, the principal cornet of the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army, would have been proud of.

He rounded off his slot with the sparkling virtuosity of 'Whirlwind' — played with a controlled tempestuousness and just the right hint of essential 'cockiness' that marks out solo performers destined to make a career at the very highest level.

Almost speechless

Not that the wonderfully modest and engaging young man showed any of that on receiving the award — almost speechless when first asked by presenter Ken Bruce what winning meant to him.

Thankfully, after a flawless encore of "Whirlwind', accompanied by Foden's Band, he managed to catch his breath as he spoke to 4BR.

"I'm still so surprised,"the young principal cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain said. "The other players were excellent so winning didn't really come into my mind. I was just glad to have played as well as I could.

I've really enjoyed the experience and I have to thank my family, especially my dad for teaching me so well! I've just had a fantastic time with the National Youth Band and I enjoy playing with my local Salvation Army Corps in Croydon.

I'm still in Sixth Form but I hope to be able to apply to a Conservatoire or College to study trumpet in the future."

Impact

Meanwhile, a sure sign of the impact his playing made was the generous gesture by Foden's principal cornet Mark Wilkinson who came up to him as he clutched the trophy, to offer his own congratulations.

"What a super player,"he said. "It was great to sit back and hear cornet playing of that standard. I think he may have to get used to signing a few more autographs in the future!"

Admirers

The remaining finalists will also be gaining many admirers as they progress as performers over the coming years, thanks in no small part to the excellent work of Michael Fowles and Foden's Band who provided sympathetic accompaniment (and a tasty little concert aperitif before the results) in the lively RNCM Concert Hall.

19 year old Ross Dunne, who plays horn for Cory Band, gave cultured renditions of the 'Allegro' from Mozart's 'Bassoon Concerto' and 'Lark in the Clear Air', whilst 18 year old trombonist Sam Dye (son of former Desford Band principal cornet Kevin) played with nonchalant ease on 'Stardust' and 'Bluebells of Scotland'.

The youngest competitor, 16 year old Cameron Scott, showcased his emerging talent with a fine rendition of the last two movements of Philip Wilby's 'Euphonium Concerto'. All were a credit to their families, teachers and mentors.

I'm still so surprised. The other players were excellent so winning didn't really come into my mind. I was just glad to have played as well as I could2018 winner, Thomas Nielsen

Norwegian listeners

With the competition attracting a healthy sized audience to the RNCM in Manchester — including a contingent from the Manger Folkehogskule Band from Norway, it will be hoped that despite the loss of Frank Renton and 'Listen to the Band' from the BBC airwaves, the bosses at Radio 2 will ensure that this invaluable event will once again be hosted in 2019 and broadcast live.

To hear the performance of 2017 winner Isabel Daws to open the evening was proof positive of just what an incredible high profile catalyst opportunity the competition offers.

Now that honour in 2019 will hopefully fall to young cornet player who at 17 years of age has shown a tantalising glimpse of a talent that has limitless boundaries.